Spherical Bearing Device Degree of Freedom Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spherical bearing devices face challenges in restricting one degree of freedom while maintaining a simple structure and miniaturization, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The spherical bearing device incorporates a shaft member with a spherical body and a turnable body, where the turnable body is engaged with the shaft member to restrict rotation about a specific axis, allowing the shaft member to move spherically and rotate about other axes, thereby simplifying the structure and enabling miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spherical bearing devices use additional components to restrict one degree of freedom, then the movement restriction requirement is met, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the degree of freedom restriction function with the existing spherical body and bearing structure. The engagement portion is integrated into the spherical body, and the restriction is achieved through the geometric relationship between the engagement portion and the bearing's accommodating space, rather than adding separate restriction components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion serves multiple functions: it enables spherical sliding movement, restricts rotation about the spherical center, and allows turning about a different axis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If conventional spherical bearing devices add components to restrict movement, then the degree of freedom control is improved, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction mechanism is merged into the existing spherical bearing structure. The engagement portion and accommodating space are designed as integral parts of the spherical body and bearing respectively, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming components and enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion is nested within the spherical body structure, and the turnable body is accommodated within the bearing's internal space. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall device volume.
3Reliability
If conventional spherical bearing devices use complex structures to restrict movement, then the movement control requirement is met, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movement control function is achieved through the geometric design of the engagement portion and accommodating space rather than complex mechanical linkages. This simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly steps while maintaining precise movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls movement by changing geometric parameters of the engagement portion and accommodating space, such as the shape and orientation of these features. This approach allows precise movement control through simple geometric constraints that are easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A spherical bearing device includes a shaft member, a turnable body, and a bearing. The shaft member has a shaft body and a spherical body having a first engaging portion. The turnable body has a second engaging portion that is engaged with the first engaging portion in a first rotational direction about a first axis passing through a center of the spherical body, and allows other rotations. The bearing is provided with a first space and a second space. The first space accommodates the spherical body spherically slidably. The second space accommodates the turnable body such that the turnable body is turnable, and allows the shaft body to move.